Christian Living

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By Russell Hessler, Founder of “Blow the Trumpet!” Outreach Newsletter. Joel 2-v.1.
“Let those who receive the word respond”
Issued MMXI No.6

TRUE SOLDIERS OF THE CROSS! Who are they? What do they look and sound like? Are you one? Am I one? In the Gospel of Matthew Chapter 10-v.38 and Chapter 16-v.24 Jesus stated that the one who does NOT take-up his (or her) cross and follow HIM is NOT worthy of HIM. And in the two following verses (39 and 25) HE talks about “losing” ones “earthly” life for HIS sake, in order to find “eternal” life. But, is that all there to it? Hardly! For TRUE SOLIDERS OF THE CROSS sacrifice is a way of life—it’s NOT an option! This means taking-up ones “cross” daily as Jesus stated in the aforementioned passages. The sacrifice of daily one-on-one personal devotional time with the LORD. The sacrifice of living the Gospel by walking-out our faith and standing by our convictions. The sacrifice of sharing our resources, finances, gifts, and talents, as the Spirit leads, with those in need. The sacrifice of visiting those who are hospitalized or shut-in. And, the sacrifice of prayer and intercession for those who are anxious and in distress.
During HIS earthly ministry, Jesus took time to minister to those in need out of love and compassion. Even though we live in a busy and hurried culture, life in this physical realm is short. Eternity is forever, and what we do for eternity has far more impact then what we do for this life. What about those serving on the local and foreign mission fields? Some of these missionaries may end-up making the supreme sacrifice! After all, HE’S our example and gave HIS ALL with the ultimate sacrifice! Are we willing to do the same?
Another aspect of a TRUE SOLDIER OF THE CROSS is their armor. The armor is worn to protect the SOLIDER from the onslaught of the enemy. Ephesians Chapter 6-v.10 through 18 spell-outs what the armor is: The helmet of salvation, the breastplate of righteousness, the belt of truth, the sandals of peace, the shield of faith, and the sword of the spirit (The Word of God). A TRUE SOLIDER OF THE CROSS will NOT neglect their armor. Also, II Corinthians Chapter 10-v.4 states that the weapons of our warfare are not of this world.
Brothers and sisters, unlike the rest of the “religious crowd” who are just “playing church and going through the motions”, TRUE SOLIDERS OF THE CROSS will stand-out by their commitment and dedication to sacrifice.
ARE YOU ONE?

Now, may our Heavenly Father pour-out HIS blessings, favor, and provision on us all, and give us the leading and conviction to become TRUE SOLIDERS OF THE CROSS! Amen!

CHALLEHGED? If you want to be seriously challenged to seriously grow and mature in your walk, then visit a ministry called of the Lord to challenge, exhort, and admonish the Body of Christ at http://blowthetrumpetoutreach.blogspot.com You can click-on the link to our Facebook page, also. May GOD bless all of you.

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